Locations
About Us
T he Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) is a private non profit community based organization whose goal is to support elders 60 years of age and older in maintaining maximum independence. The Council seeks to be responsive to both individual elders who need assistance to remain independent and to the communities in our region who need our technical assistance and support to identify elder needs and create locally based solutions.
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The older Americans Act of 1965 identified a series of broad objectives aimed at improving the lives of older Americans. In 1972, the act was amended to create a national nutrition program, and to authorize grants to public and nonprofit agencies for the development of congregate meal services for the elderly. In 1973, the Act was further amended to create a network of Area Agencies on Aging (AAA’s), which were given the major responsibility for planning, coordinating, and advocating local programs that would benefit older people. Out of this Act, the Vermont Office on Aging was created and it, in turn, designated seven Area Agencies throughout Vermont. In 1977 a consolidation took place resulting in five Area Agencies. The Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging was one of the five and, as such, was given the responsibility that continues today- that of carrying out the Older Americans Act mandates for persons sixty and older in its defined Planning and Service Area (PSA). This area encompasses the southwestern corner of Vermont and covers most of Bennington and Rutland counties. Exceptions to this are the towns of Pittsfield, Readsboro, Searsburg and Winhall. Elders in these towns are served by neighboring Area Agencies.
The Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging, Inc. is a private, non-profit, tax exempt organization. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors. Elections are held at the Council’s annual meeting early December. The majority of board members must be over 60 years of age.
Board of Directors:
President, David Ellenbrook
Vice President, Jane Sarno
Treasurer, Ron Bower
Secretary, Gale Courcelle
Directors:
Irene Novotny
George Davis
Raebeth Hitchcock
Carlene Carlson-Bennett
T he Rutland location is the administrative office and houses several programs that are available in both Rutland and Bennington counties. The first is the Senior Helpline, which provides information and assistance to elders, caregivers and others, and helps connect them to our other services.
We have several case managers and options counselors who provide one on one assistance to clients. Case Managers are experts in helping individuals evaluate their needs and connecting them to services, while helping maintain their maximum independence. Case Managers also provide in depth assistance to clients who are receiving long term care services on the Choices for Care program or Veteran’s Independence Program. Some of the resources accessed are: Choices for Care, Veteran’s Independence Program, Social Security, SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, 3-Squares Vermont, housing and fuel assistance.
Our Rutland location also coordinates our nutrition programs which consists of several congregate meal sites, the delivery of Meals on Wheels to homebound elders, and our nutritionist services.
Money Management and Representative Payee services are available in both our Bennington and Rutland service areas, but is coordinated out of the Rutland office. Money Management services provide assistance with bill paying from one of our many volunteers, whereas Representative Payee services provide a more formal oversight of bill paying by our coordinator.
Senior Companion services are coordinated out of our Rutland office, but available in both counties. This program connects elders with other elders to provide support with things such as shopping, transportation, and socialization.
Caregiver Support services are again available in both counties. This program consists of connecting individuals with support groups or seminars, as well as respite grants for caregivers working with individuals with Dementia.
Eldercare Clinician services are also located in our Rutland office under the direction of Rutland Mental Health Services. Through this partnership, in-home mental health support is provided for elders needing this assistance.
Our Volunteer Coordinator is also located in this office and is always looking for new volunteers for various projects to benefit the elders of Rutland and Bennington counties.
For more information, contact us at 802.786.5991
T he Bennington office provides case management , options counseling, home care services, and housing information. Some of the resources accessed are: Choices for Care, Veteran’s Independence Program, Social Security, SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, 3-Squares, and fuel assistance.
Bennington also hosts the SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) Coordinator for Rutland and Bennington counties. Through a special federal grant, we staff volunteers who guide elders through the process of sorting through Medicare paperwork, filing claims and comparing Medigap policies. We also help people with issues related to the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. Open enrollment for Medicare Part D is October 15th through November 7th each year.
Eldercare Clinician services are also located in our Bennington office under the direction of United Counseling Services. Through this partnership, in-home mental health support is provided for elders needing this assistance.
The Bennington office facilitates a medical equipment loaner program that accepts donations of small medical equipment that is often used by elders. We loan the equipment out to other elders in need.
Other services include: volunteer opportunities, caregiver support services, nutrition services, senior companion program and money management program.
For more information, contact us at 802.442.5436
Donation
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